‘The big win is that support’ – Wakefield Trinity owner believes fans can help club compete with St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves after ‘awesome’ Wembley experience
Matt Ellis thinks Wakefield Trinity’s supporters can help the team fight in the Super League against teams like Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, and Wigan Warriors after 10,000 fans cheered Daryl Powell’s team to an incredible victory at Wembley in the 1895 Cup final.
Thousands of people supported the team that had never seen Trin play, much less win, at Wembley, including the club’s owner. 61 years and 45 years, respectively, of waiting.
However, Ellis had a sense of victory there and there after guiding Wakefield’s team against Sheffield Eagles last Saturday at the national stadium.
He told the Wakefield Express, “I was fist pumping as I walked out because I thought that was a victory in itself.” It was amazing to see all of the Wakey fans gathered around as I was leaving. Before the game had began, it already seemed like a victory. It was fantastic attendance for the 1895 Cup final. More akin to a Challenge Cup final, it seemed.
The club is a sleeping giant, as I have been saying. That support is this weekend’s biggest victory. That’s what we want if we return to Super League and start competing and they can create that environment. Hopefully, we can return to Wembley for the Challenge Cup the following year.
“The atmosphere is so important,” he continued. We have to go up and generate that atmosphere if we want to establish a club that can compete with Warrington, Leeds, Wigan, and St Helens. When there has been a positive vibe, people return. The atmosphere is what drives everything, including the players and the fans, and it ties everything together.
“I told them to just look at that support boys and do it for them when I was in queue. You have to be motivated by it. You are doing it for that person. I’m hoping that this support will continue for the remainder of the season, bringing in a few new fans as we strive to sell out and create a great environment.
We have a fantastic team, and we should win the League Leaders’ and Grand Finals titles after that. We intend to take the lot.
In addition, Ellis values the atmosphere and connection in his kitchen business, DIY Kitchens.
He gave an explanation, saying, “I have always tried to have good relationships with all the personnel in my culinary business. I get along well with them and can tour each factory. There is mutual respect and a positive rapport. You must perform your duties, but if you do so, I will strongly support you, and together we will foster a positive, unique environment.
“When it comes to rugby, if we are going to play these well-established powerhouses like your Wigans, Since they got there by doing it for so long, we will need to come up with something unique to accomplish it.
“We need to pull together—fans, players, coaching staff, and me—if Wakefield is going to do what I want them to.
“It was wonderful to speak with new people and have a rugby conversation with some of the supporters on Wembley Way beforehand. They also share the ambition’s belief. It is what they desire. It’s what I desire. Daryl desires it. And this group desires it.
“We’re going to be badly beaten,”
